V-Day Sp: Sizzling Couples in Love

It is that amorous time of the year again where expressing your love is a compulsion. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we bring you Bollywood's hottest couples who haven't tied the knot as yet.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan: They are Bollywood royalty. She is a Kapoor and his father is the Nawab of Pataudi. She is a flawless beauty and he is drop-dead-hot and handsome. Together they make a madly-in-love couple with crackling chemistry. It was on the sets of the disastrous Tashan that their romance blossomed. Kareena looked so gorgeous in the movie that Saif couldn't help but be drawn to her. They have eyes only for each other and aren't afraid of showing how much they adore one another. You want to fall in love just looking at them. Saif wants to tie the knot now but Bebo's saying 'not now'.

Bipasha Basu and John Abraham: Dating for over five years now, this sizzling twosome has stood the test of time. Romance blossomed on the sets of Aetbaar and the two set the screen on fire with their unrestrained passion in Jism. The good looking fitness freaks complement each other really well. She is a smokin' hot Bong tigress and he is a Bawa boy with the body of a Greek God. They are a mature couple who have left their PDA days behind and are too secure about each other to be affected by malicious rumours.

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone: Ah, young love. She is a leggy supermodel-turned-actress with enchanting doe eyes. He is Bollywood’s Prince Charming who could sweep any girl off her feet. It was a double whammy for them at the Filmfare Awards in 2008. Not only did they win best debut awards, they also secured each other's affection. The two bonded in picturesque Australia while shooting for Bachna Ae Haseeno. The photogenic twosome is so much in love that they cannot keep their hands off each other, even in public.

Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra: These two, who will feature together in Kaminay, are rumoured to be going out. And they have adorable nicknames for each other: Peefee and Shaks. They share a hot kiss in the film so it’s no wonder a hot romance started off-screen too. Priyanka was having a hard time with Harman and Shahid wasn't really dating anyone after his breakup with Kareena. They stay in the same building and spent a lot of time bonding on and off the sets. The two are fiercely private people so the relationship is still under wraps. But their chemistry in Kaminay will surely tell us all that we need to know.

Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia: She is vivaciously beautiful and he is dashingly debonair. Preity has gone from bubbly to sophisticate ever since she started attending upscale society dos with her good looking boyfriend. They mix business with pleasure as they own a cricket team together and Ness accompanies Preity on her shoots. They aren't into PDA but their sweet gestures such as feeding each other during matches show that they have eyes only for each other.

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif: He is over 40, she is over 20 and they are madly in love with each other, though they may not show it. She is a beautiful in-demand newbie in Bollywood while he is the handsome established superstar. Being Salman Khan's girlfriend is not easy, but the composed and dignified lady Kat is, she has managed to play that role with aplomb. Apparently, his family loves Kat too and Salman hasn't been so smitten by anyone before. He wants to settle down but she is in no hurry to with her burgeoning career. Will they or won't they? We will have to wait and watch.

Deepika to be face of Mallya's Formula One Team

Industrialist Vijay Mallya, chairman of Force India Formula Team, has roped in actress Deepika Padukone to be the face of his team.

Deepika said, if she could manage time from her busy Bollywood schedule, she would love to be one of the team's 'speed divas' and travel around the world for the Formula One Grand Prix event 2009.

"I may make brief appearances during MTV's reality show, 'The Fast and the Gorgeous' and I'm looking forward to it," said Deepika as she sat on a McLaren-Mercedes-powered Formula One car to unveil MTV-Force India's The Fast and the Gorgeous hunt for the 'speed divas' in Mumbai on Tuesday (Feb 10).

Following a countrywide hunt four 'speed divas' will be chosen from 20 contestants to be the cheer girls/pit girls.

Deepika, daughter of badminton champion Prakash Padukone, loves sports and excelled in badminton in school.

Asked what is common between badminton and car racing, she said: "Speed".

Force India Formula One Team's maiden performance on the international race track last year was not up to the mark. "But to be qualified to take part in Formula One Grand Prix itself was no mean achievement," said Mallya.

Mallya, however, warned the Indian car race lovers not to expect "miracles" from the Force India Formula One Team during the prelims.

"The Grand Prix event from Barcelona onwards will be the real test for all the teams," he said.

Mallya, who took the initiative to put India on the international car racing track, said he will be a proud man when Force India Formula One Team will host the first Indian Grand Prix in 2011.

Ashish Patil, MTV India general manager and vice president (creative ad content), informed the media that the channel, which has always identified itself with the youth, is the right platform to popularise Formula One sport in India through its partnership with Force India Formula One Team for the reality show, "The Fast and the Gorgeous".

Ranbir-Deepika asked to get a room!

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone make one bold couple who doesn’t mind showing their love for each other in the open. They stories of their public display of affection are endless.

This lovey-dovey couple was in for a surprise on Saturday night. They were at a suburban multiplex in Mumbai for a late night show of the Hollywood movie, “Marley & Me’.

They had booked the corner seats of the last row so that no one could disturb them.

After the movie started Ranbir reportedly got busy with a phone call while Deepika seemed bored. They had a minor fight but after sometime they patched up, said an on looker.

They were then seen cuddling and fondling each other when the audience shouted and told them to hire a room!

Ranbir, however, ignored the remarks and left the theatre only after the movie was over.

Sonam & Deepika: There is no fight

Sonam on Deepika

What do you think of Deepika – is she competition?
See, the thing with competition is that you start concentrating too much on someone else’s career. Competition is unhealthy and one should consider only oneself as the benchmark. You can’t expect two actresses to be the same. Everyone is different.

And are you both friends?
Yes, I have a nice vibe going with her. I have a nice vibe going with everybody in the industry. We (Deepika and I) have made our separate niches in the industry. Our kind of work is not the same.

Deepika on Sonam

You and Sonam seem to be the best of friends. Did you girls exchange notes after watching the trailers of your forthcoming films?
It’s a nice equation that we share. I’m glad that all the awkwardness has gone. In fact, we avoid talking about work when we are together. It isn’t a thought out thing. We prefer not to tread on each other’s space. Sonam did see the trailers of the item number in my next film and was shocked to see my abs. I, on my part, am really looking forward to Delhi 6.

Pics: What's been happening in tinseltown

Does Billu spell bad luck? Sharman is giving away 1 crore and feast your eyes on Deepika, Madhuri and Sonam.

Billu Bad Idea? Astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts that the movie will not do well.

"Originally the title of 'Billu Barber' added up to No.29 (2 ) which is also not a positive number but it is one of SRK's best numbers & would have done some damage control. But by now just calling the film 'Billu' is going to 'cut' down the film's prospects ( pun unintended ) further!. 'Billu' now adds up to No.15 (6). Generally, No.6 is harmless but the octave 15 of No.6 does not have a lasting effect & is often bad for people who are born on dates 4 & 8. The producer of the film Gauri Khan, is a No.8 (8th Oct.). Also No.6 represents Venus – the planet of love, peace, harmony etc. To call 'Billu' - a love story would be inappropriate," says Bhavikk

Mad about You: Madhuri looks dazzling in an elegant saree at a hair and make up event in Bandra


Pretty Face: Eesha Koppikhar at another hair event with children from the National Association for the Blind


Leggy Beauty: Sonam Kapoor looks sophisticated in her high waited pants, soft curls and purple clutch at the Russian Film Festival


Poker Face: That is Sharman's new show on Real Channel where he will give away 1 crore rupees


The Fast and the Gorgeous: Deepika arrives in a racing car at an MTV Force India event

Pics: What's been happening in tinseltown

Kangana's look in Kites, guests at Tusshar's belated birthday party, Kareena's bad make-up, Hottie Kangana, Mahesh Bhatt and Jackie Shroff are too close for comfort, Pooja Bhatt's back, Riteish's new look and much more.

Look At Me! We have had too much of Hrithik and Barbara Mori, so here is looking at Kangana Ranaut in Kites. She looks sophisticated in her layered dress and fresh-as-a-daisy in her casual avatar.


Mother and Son: Susanne Roshan with son Hrehaan on the sets of Kites in the US. She should have been careful about her white bra and we heard Hrehaan isn't allowed to eat chocolates. Holidays are an exception, probably. Where is Papa Hrithik?


Rare Photo: We usually see Ash with her hubby and Pa but here she is all smiles with brown coat clad Jaya Bachchan and Pa Amitabh in freezing New York.


Coupling: Ayesha Takia with fiancé Farhan Azmi and Amisha Patel with Kanav Puri. Must say Ayesha is looking very pretty.


Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Riteish Deshmukh has chopped off his thick mop of hair for a buzz cut. Neat!


Father and Son: Bealted-birthday-boy Tusshar and dad Jeetendra. Tusshar's checkered shirt looks like it was made from a table-cloth and we aren't a big fan of what Jeetendra's wearing either.


Mismatched Make-up: Her features are perfect but her make up is not. Her lower portion of her face has a reddish hue while her forehead is pale. And she should do something about the zit on her left cheek.


Sisters in Sarees: We like Kareena's bright yellow saree, but when it comes to a face off between the sisters, the elegant and graceful Lolo wins hands down. Kareena's stomach isn't exactly flat anymore, from what we can see.


Lucky Man: Kangana looks absolutely dazzling here. The blue and rose tinted make up, the shimmering blue number and blue shoes are amazing. Adhayan is one lucky man


Guess Who's Back: Pooja Bhatt still has a pretty face but not her petite frame. Her loose black attire makes her looks broader than she is.


Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai? By the way, their hands are wrapped around each other and the closeness of their mouths, it looks like Jackie Shroff and Mahesh Bhatt are going to kiss!


Stars are Human Too: For everyone who thought B-town stars were perfect, here is a flaw. Due to her weight gain, Kangana Ranaut has stretch marks. But it's ok; we still think she is sexy and pretty.


Pretty in Peach: Deepika Padukone flashes her dimpled smile at a Filmfare PC. We wish Ranbir was there too.

I am okay with Ranbir kissing his heroines: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone talks about the failure of CC2C, déjà vu on the sets Billu Barber, Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal and Ranbir Kapoor. She also picks her Filmfare award winners…

“The Filmfare awards will always be special to me because as a child, my parents and I would wait to watch the annual event. Then last year I won 2 awards for my debut in Om Shanti Om, so it was even more special,” she fondly recalls. It must be noted that Ranbir and she professed their love for each other backstage on the night of the awards.

Beau Ranbir Kapoor, who won the best debut along with her, was missing at the event. “You’ll have to ask the organizers that!” she replied blushing.

Picking her winners for the Best Debut this year, she says, “I think Asin was fantastic in Ghajini and Anushka was very good too. Anushka and I have been in the same position. I know Anushka since we started modeling together and we both debuted with SRK. In the male category, Farhan Akhtar and Imran Khan are the names that I can think of.” And will she perform this year? “I haven’t been asked to as yet but I would love to perform,” she says.

Speaking about her Imtiaz Ali film, Love Aaj Kal with Saif Ali Khan, she says, “Imtiaz Ali was always on my wish-list of directors to work with and I am glad I am working with him so soon in my career. It was fantastic working with Saif. He is brilliant yet he needs to be taken care of like a child. My character in the film, Meera, is a modern yet traditional girl. She is practical yet emotional in matters of the heart. I think youngsters will relate very well to the love story in the film.”

Deepika is disappointed with the failure of Chandni Chowk to China but still counts it as a great experience. “If you work hard on a film or anything and then it doesn’t do well, you are obviously disappointed but it was a great experience for me. I learnt a lot from it. It’s an experience that pushes me to better myself and my performances.”

Deepika had a kissing scene with Ranbir in Bachna Ae Haseeno, is she okay with Ranbir kissing his heroines? “Tum kyun aisa kar rahe ho,” she asks, adding, “Ranbir has already done it. But I just take it as another scene in the film which takes the story forward.”

Talking about her shoot for Billu Barber, Deepika says, “The three day shooting for Billu Barber’s Love Mera Hit brought back memories of Om Shanti Om. Even the caterer, Mutuswamy was the same. Farah and SRK are like family to me and I would do anything for them.”

Lastly, what are her plans for Valentine’s Day? “I am spending the day with my parents!” she cleverly signs off.

Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in Anees Bazmee's next

After Chandni Chowk to China, the not-so-hit jodi of Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar will be seen in Singh is Kinng director Anees Bazmee's next for UTV.

"I'm thinking of casting Akshay Kumar but things are yet to be finalized as yet but UTV and I am interested in casting him. Everything is at a preliminary stage right now. Besides Akki, who is my favourite actor, I am in talks with Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, so let's see how things will work out. I am currently busy with 'It's My Life' and I want it to be as successful as Singh is Kinng," says Bazmee.

But does he think Harman Baweja will be successful after Love Story 2050 and Victory have bombed?
Anees replies, "It's not necessary as every film is different and I'm not interested in Victory and Love Story 2050's result as this time he will deliver a hit through my film as I'm confident enough about the script and it has been shot in Norway, Bangkok and New Delhi. I want everything in my film to be done perfectly. Now the film is near completion and then I will start working for Anil Kapoor's production "No Problem" sometime in March which stars Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sushmita Sen and Paresh Rawal. This film will have everything from action, comedy, thriller to romance."

It will be interesting to see Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone to sharing screen space but Akshay should not forget the debacle of Chandni Chowk to China.

Deepika wants to launch her website

Deepika Padukone is very happy as she has been declared the most searched celebrity on Yahoo! India in 2008, beating competitors like Katrina, Bipasha and Kareena.

Though she is not an internet addict, Deepika is planning to launch her own website in order to stay in close touch with her fans and provide them with an update on her life and career. Apparently, she answers all the emails fans send her.

To begin with, she is searching for a suitable domain name for her website.

Even though Deepika plans to launch her website, she says she uses the internet mainly for emails and is not so much into surfing the internet. For that matter, she doesn’t even like sending an SMS. She prefers the good old telephone when it comes to connecting with her near and dear ones.

Ranbir enjoys a threesome

But hey, hang on...there is more masala coming up here.

Ranbir Kapoor Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor were seen chatting and laughing away without a care in the world...now that’s a ‘believe-it-or-not’ moment, isn’t it? Guess the trio have buried the hatchet, or at least our million-dollar pictures say so.

Nepal bans Chandni Chowk To China

As protests continued to erupt on the streets of Kathmandu on Thursday (January 22) over Bollywood's first Kungfu comedy "Chandni Chowk to China", the new Maoist-led government officially banned the film.

The formal ban by the ministry of information and communications came as cinemas in Nepal had on their own stopped screening the controversial film on Wednesday.

All Kathmandu valley cinemas, from multiplexes like Jai Nepal, Kumari, Gopi Krishna and Barahi, to smaller ones like Guna and Ashta Narayan, hurriedly dropped the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer and began showing the earlier Bollywood release "Ghajini" or waited for another Bollywood film "Raaz" to be released on Friday.

The decision, that would cost the distributors of the films millions of rupees, was taken after angry protests began over the erroneous claim in the film that the Buddha, Nepal's best-known religious icon, was born in India.

"The Buddha was born in Nepal, learn to respect Nepal's identity and sovereignty," students screamed during a protest rally before an engineering college in the valley on Thursday (January 22). In the Lainchaur area near the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, protesters marched in silence, waving placards.

"The trouble was created by the narration in the film," said Nepali film director K.P. Pathak, who heads the Nepal Film Directors' Association that is urging audiences to boycott all foreign films that project wrong messages.

"About five minutes into the film, the narration introduces the hero as someone born in India, the Buddha's birthplace," Pathak told IANS.

The Buddha was born prince Siddharth in Lumbini in south Nepal in 623 BC. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit south Nepal every year to pay their homage to the apostle of peace.

Before being released in Nepal on Friday, "Chandni Chowk to China" was viewed by Nepal's censor board who objected to the dialogue. Subsequently, the distributors deleted it.

But though the offending dialogue was removed, the word got around and students stormed the Jai Nepal cinema on Wednesday, tearing down the posters of the film.

Remembering the violence that flared up in 2000 after wrongly attributed comments to Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, the distributors of "Chandni Chowk to China" on Wednesday decided to can it.

"It's not just Kathmandu valley," officials at the Gopi Krishna cinema told IANS. "No hall in Nepal will show that film. There is a virtual ban on it."

Despite the cinemas heeding public sentiment, the protests continued on Thursday with students saying that the CDs and VCDs of the film that have reached Nepal still have the offending dialogue.

The controversy has also created bad blood between Indians and Nepalis on YouTube with messages becoming abusive.

However, the most clinching argument comes from someone signing in as Prynka.

"The bottom line is," Prynka says, "the movie is very disappointing and it has definitely angered a lot of Nepalis for disregarding a very important part of our history....

"No one would expect a movie under the Warner Brothers' banner to have such ignorant mistakes."

"Chandni Chowk to China", the first Hindi film to be shot in China, is directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by Sippy Films as well as Warner Brothers.

The Lumbini Development Trust, that manages the Buddha's birthplace, said Indian tourist agencies also misguide travellers into believing that the Buddha was born in India.

"Before the Nepal government changed its visa policies, tourists would be brought to Nepal without being told they were entering a different country," Nepal's official media on Thursday quoted the public relations officer at the trust, Gyanin Rai, as saying.

It also reported the Maoist Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami as saying that the spread of such false information should be stopped.

Chandni Chowk to China creates virtual rift among Asians

Bollywood's much-awaited first Kungfu comedy Chandni Chowk to China has created a rift on YouTube with Indian, Chinese and Nepali members trading insults.

The film, co-produced by Warner Brothers Pictures and directed by Nikhil Advani triggered protests with its statement that the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in India.

While many YouTube members have pointed out the mistake, saying he was born in Nepal, the correction is being opposed by some, creating an abusive environment.

A member signing in as provoked11, says, "Nepal Nepal Nepal!!!... Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. But he got enlightenment in Gaya which is in India. So let's not be confused. He was born in Nepal but he became Gautam Buddha in India."

"Buddha was born in an Indian forest," claims Luckyankraj while Hemantmehndi is more aggressive. "Nepal was born from India," the member says. "Therefore, Buddha is from India. Nepalese people get outta this India movie trailer. Go watch your own movies if they're that great."

The outburst is countered by Chanchaltam, who says: "Your language belies you. You can't be a good cultured Indian. If you go to ancient historical times then people can also argue that India was born from Nepal. Just a case of the son becoming bigger than the father."

Besides the Buddha's birthplace, there is also a growing fight over where Kungfu, the martial art form made famous by Bruce Lee with the 1973 film "Enter the Dragon", originated.

Says bobbzhere81: "India is the birth place of all martial arts. A saint named Bodidama carried this art from Madras (now Chennai) to China."

At this, protests come from lajabo0009, who says: "This is not true. India is the birth place of Buddhism but China is definitely the birth place of Kungfu (martial arts). Without China, Kungfu would have never developed to its current form.

However, the most clinching argument comes from Prynka, who enunciates what the bottom line is.

"The bottom line is: the movie is very disappointing and it has definitely angered a lot of Nepalis for disregarding a very important part of our history....

"No one would expect a movie under the Warner Brothers' banner to have such ignorant mistakes."

Chandni Chowk to China sparks protest in Nepal

"Chandni Chowk to China", India's first made-in-China film, has angered Nepal for its erroneous references about the Buddha. Enraged students on Wednesday (January 21) tore off the posters of the romantic comedy at Kathmandu's best-known Jai Nepal cinema and the furore caused authorities to shelve the screening of the film.

The protests began over a comment in the film that the Buddha was born in India.

Born Prince Siddharth, the founder of Buddhism, the Buddha was born in Lumbini, in present day southern Nepal, which draws thousands of visitors every year.

Before its release on Friday, the film was vetted by Nepal's censor board which asked for the offending scene to be removed.

The Jai Nepal cinema was screening the movie with the cut ordered by the board but the word got around, triggering public anger.

The protesters are also asking the Maoist government of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to take up the issue with the Indian government.

Protests are not restricted to students. K.P. Pathak, a member of the Nepal Film Development Board as well as chief of the Nepal Directors' Association, has urged Nepalis to boycott the film, the Dainikee.com website reported.

"This film projects wrong information," the website quoted Pathak as saying. "We are asking the audience to boycott all such films."

Directed by Nikhil Advani, "Chandni Chowk to China" is co-producer Warner Brothers' second Hindi film and casts Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in lead roles.

Deepika skipped sister's National Golf Tournament for CC2C premieres

Being a star at 23 is not easy. Deepika has no friends in Mumbai. And she doesn't have any qualms in admitting it.

So busy is the stunning actress that she went off for the North American and London premieres of Chandni Chowk To China just when her sister Anisha was playing at a National Golf Tournament in Pune.

"Yes Anisha who's five years younger to me and the baby of the family was playing in Pune just when I left for my premieres. I'd have definitely liked to watch her," says Deepika wistfully. "But then maybe having family around to watch her play would make her self-conscious. She needs to find her own identity away from the family cocoon. And for that we need to leave her alone to swim in the waters and face the storms. So in a way it was good that I wasn't around when she played."

Deepika has been traveling unchaperoned all through the year. "Both me and my sister have been taught to be self dependent. I am 23 and very proud of it. I'm young and raring to go. Age has nothing to do with maturity. I started traveling alone at a very young age (12) as a badminton player. That made feel responsible from a very young age. I learnt to travel in a team share dormitories and bathrooms. You could say I've roughed it out. My parents made sure my sister and I were brought up with normal working class values."

She says she isn't into celebrations. "I've never been the partying type. I'm not much into celebrations ever since I moved to Mumbai to become an actress. I don't have any friends to call over. Earlier when I was in Bangalore I used to call all my friends over for my birthday and then take them bowling or to watch a movie..."

She trails off. "Now all my free days are spent with my family. My entire family comes down from Bangalore to Mumbai for my birthday every year. It becomes a family reunion time. They came to visit me around my birthday. My Dad, mom and sister were here. We also paid a visit to Tirupathi."

And now Deepika travelled all across the US, Toronto and London, all on her own.

"Why do you say that?" she shoots back. "I had the Chandni Chowk To China team with me. We were hopping from city to city. The only sleep I got was on flight."

Chandni Chowk To China grosses Rs 330 million in India

Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone starrer Chandni Chowk To China has grossed Rs 330 million (Rs 33 crores) in its opening weekend in India, including paid previews.

Speaking to Businessofcinema.com, Warner Bros India director sales Neeraj Goswami says, "We are happy to have crossed Rs 300 million (Rs 30 crores) mark in India, considering that not many films grossed that amount in 2008. We are happy with weekend numbers."

When queried about public reaction towards the movie and Warner's expectations of the first week collections, Goswami said, "Well the reaction towards the movie has been mixed. We'll be able to judge this week's expectations only once Monday's collection come in entirely, which should be by tomorrow. But the movie should manage to do well this week since the coming weekend is long. There are new releases this week but every movie has their niche audience."

Slated to release this week is the much acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire directed by Danny Boyle along with Vishesh Films and Sony BMG's horror flick Raaz - The Mystery Continues. These films will find a good window with Monday (26 January) being a holiday.

Chandni Chowk To China released on 16 January. In the US the film was released in 134 cinemas. At the time of filing this story, the weekend overseas collections of the film were not available with Warner Bros.

Critics slam Chandni Chowk To China

“Chandni Chowk To China” had generated immense pre-release hype and was predicted to surpass even the record-breaking run of “Ghajini” at the box office.

However, the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer, which opened in India on January 16, has not impressed film critics.

Almost all the reviews have slammed “Chandni Chowk To China”, with most critics giving the film a low rating of 2 stars or below.

“Not enough light-hearted fun in C2C, you are hardly ever amused," writes Deepa Gahlot.

"One wishes Nikhil Advani had fine-cooked the script and screenplay a bit more before serving it. This comedy film does not evoke any laughs," writes Sarita Tanwar of Mid-Day.

Maynak Shekhar of Mumbai Mirror gave only one and half stars and called the movie, "Such bull in a china-shop!"

CC2C Breaks Akshay's Winning Streak

The highly publicized Chandni Chowk to China has flopped and how. It is being hailed as the worst film to come out of Bollywood in recent times.

Shekhar Suman is fuming over what a waste the film is. He has been quoted in a tabloid as saying, "Akshay Kumar owes an apology to the nation. For the first time, multiplex audiences were booing a film. I am upset with Akshay for doing such a film. He has lost it after seeing success. Akshay was better when he wasn't in the race. Now his brains have turned topsy turvy. Singh is Kinng was illogical too but at least it was entertaining. I want a refund of all the Akshay Kumar films I have seen. CC2C isn't just disappointing and amateurish; it offends the sensibility of the viewer as well. There hasn't been a film as sad or horrible as CC2C this far! I declare January 16 to be declared National Mourning in India, as it's the day cinema died!"

Akshay's Singh is Kinng got a bumper opening because of the hype but Chandni Chowk didn't manage that either. People who saw the paid previews were so disgusted with the film that they warned all their friends to steer clear of the film. Then critics were unanimous in their decision to pan the movie.

In recent times, movies like Ghajini and Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na have been so successful that multiplexes have had to increase shows to accommodate audiences. But now they are in trouble as the shows of CC2C, a movie that is only three days old, are running empty and they have to reduce the number of shows.

Interestingly, like the incredulous plot of the film, the making of the film also defies any logic and was an act of sheer over-confidence. It seems Akshay liked a poster featuring him with standing with two crossed swords. So he asked Nikhil Advani what was the script of the film. Nikhil replied that there was no story or idea, it was just the poster that they had. So Akshay asked him to write the script based on the poster and that he would work in his film which had a "new way of working" that is the poster is ready before the script.

Nikhil Advani's first flick, Kal Ho Naa Ho, looked so much like Karan Johar's previous flicks: K3G and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that many people believed that KJo had not only produced but also ghost-directed the film. With debacles like Salaam-e-Ishq and Chandni Chowk in his kitty, we know for sure that he didn't direct KHNH.

Tashan, which released in April 2008, was the first monumental disaster of that year. It starred Akshay as well. Now with Chandni Chowk to China, Akshay has raised the bar for how bad a film can be.

'Chandni Chowk...' gets lukewarm reception from U.S. media

American mainstream media has given a lukewarm reception to Chandni Chowk to China, the largest-ever release of a Bollywood movie in North America, calling it "a genetic experiment" and a "genre-mashup overkill".

"A veggie-slicing galoot from Delhi goes to China to realise his destiny as a martial arts master -- and just from the synopsis, I'm on board with Chandni Chowk to China," says Time magazine reviewer Richard Corliss.

But "the results of this genetic experiment are mixed. Chandni Chowk to China is probably a decent sampler for Americans who've never seen a full-out Bollywood musical since it goes heavy on the action scenes and light on the big dance numbers", he says.

The film "has the feel of one of many Indian glosses on American films, not of something fresh and foreign. For a really thrilling amalgam of Bollywood and Hong Kong, I'm still waiting", says Corliss.

The New York Times says: "Genre mixing is mother's milk to Hindi films, so it's no surprise that 'Chandni Chowk to China' can so seamlessly add Kung Fu to the usual blend of comedy, dance and melodrama."

"Chandni Chowk to China", the first Bollywood movie to be financed and distributed by Warner Brothers, "starts too frantically but settles down to become an enjoyable, if slight Saturday-matinee, picture," says reviewer Rachel Saltz.

To Washington Times, Chandni Chowk to China seems, "in some ways, like a dish at one of those Indian restaurants - its spiciness has been toned down for the American market".

"Still, it's unlike anything Hollywood puts out. The Bollywood film is unapologetically sentimental and silly, and this melodrama is no exception," it says.

Robert Abele of the Los Angeles Times says in Chandni Chowk to China, "Kung fu pounds it out with Bollywood and round after round of gags, chaos and music".

"Sold as a groundbreaking convergence of Asia's leading cinematic influences -- kung fu flicks and Bollywood extravaganzas -- it also sees fit to toss in rap video fantasias, commercial parodies, James Bond tropes and Looney Tunes touches for what can only be termed genre-mashup overkill," Abele adds.

Boston Globe's Michael Hardy calls "Chandni Chowk to China" "Bollywood's all-singing, all-dancing, all-Hindi bid to conquer America".

"Backed by Warner Brothers, which is giving it the largest North American release of any Indian film to date, Chandni Chowk to China could, if successful, forecast a veritable monsoon of Bollywood imports," he says.

"But only if American audiences can accept an action hero who talks to potatoes," Hrady adds.

"Chandni Chowk to China" gets poor response from the Viewers

Contrary to the expectations, Akshay Kumar's much-publicized movie "Chandni Chowk to China" did not get a huge response from the viewers across India. Unlike, "Singh Is Kinng", "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini", "Chandni Chowk to China" failed to impress the movie-goers because of its weak story line.

Notwithstanding the stunning stunts displayed by Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, the movie falls aprat when it comes to appealing the audience. No doubt, it's a big venture, but nowhere near the movies like "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini". The movie is full of action scenes and item songs and some humor too, but somewhere it lost the plot.

The biggest disadvantage hold by "Chandni Chowk to China" is its double-role sequence played by Deepika Padukone. The world is changing fast and so are the movie fans in India. They no longer approve the "double role' and "twin siblings" theme. There is no doubt that both Akshay and Deepika worked hard and fully justified in their individual roles. But eventually, they fell victim to a weak plot. the film may still do some business, but won't be a big hit...

Chandni Chowk To China - Movie Review

In the initial years of his career, Ramesh Sippy made two gems that we remember [and cherish] to this date -- SEETA AUR GEETA and SHOLAY. SEETA AUR GEETA was about twin-sisters -- the docile and the aggressive. SHOLAY, of course, needs no introduction. Yet, to update the unacquainted, Ramgarh is gripped by a terror called Gabbar. Resultantly, Thakur recruits two men to put an end to Gabbar's tyranny.

Nikhil Advani pays homage to Ramesh Sippy's movies by merging SHOLAY and SEETA AUR GEETA. But this concoction called CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is as bland as khichdi.

Come to think of it, Nikhil Advani had everything going for him. It's a dream project, what with heavyweights such as Warner Bros., Ramesh Sippy, Akhay Kumar and Gordon Liu agreeing to be a part of this mammoth project. But Nikhil slips and trips, falling flat on his face.

A masala film is always welcome. In fact, two desi films [RAB NE BANA DI JODI and GHAJINI] have been lapped up by the junta in a big way, but CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is an unbearable masala fare that insults the intelligence of the moviegoer.

The problem with CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is that it lacks a watertight screenplay to keep you glued for those 2.45 hours. Agreed, you don't look for logic and reason in hardcore potboilers, but the least the director and his team of writers could do is provide loads of entertainment. Sadly, writers Shridhar Raghavan and Rajat Aroraa make mincemeat of a plot that had the potential to woo viewers from Chandni Chowk to China to Chicago to Cape Town.

So, what's the verdict then? Enjoy Chinese food instead. This one's a big, big, big letdown!

Sidhu [Akshay Kumar] cuts vegetables at a roadside food stall in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. He longs to escape his dreary existence and looks for shortcuts -- with astrologers, tarot readers and fake fakirs -- believing anything except himself, despite his father figure Dada's [Mithun Chakraborty] best efforts.

The story takes a turn when two strangers from China claim he's a reincarnation of a war hero and take him to China. Thanks to the devious translator, a conman by the name Chopstick [Ranvir Shorey], little does he know that he is being taken to the Chinese village of vicious smuggler Hojo [Gordon Liu].

Therefore, Sidhu blissfully sets forth to China with Chopstick, who instigates dreams of a delicious future and forgets to reveal the perils, which await him. Along the way, he meets Sakhi [Deepika Padukone], who has embarked on a journey to pay homage to the land of her birth and her dead father and twin.

Hojo catches up with Sidhu and eliminates Dada right in front of everyone. Sidhu seeks revenge and finds the one man who will make him a Kungfu expert and set the village free from Hojo's tyranny.

On face-value, what do you expect from CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA? Laughter unlimited, great martial arts, a glimpse of China. But what's served on the platter is so insipid, so lame, so senseless that you wonder if there was a script in the first place. The comic scenes [that make you laugh] are few and far between. The scenes depicting martial arts are hardly exciting. Also, barring the Great Wall of China, don't expect China darshan here!

There are big holes in the script. Sample these... * How and why do the two oppressed Chinese men suddenly land up in Chandni Chowk in Delhi? Also, how do they zero on Ranvir Shorey? No explanations offered. * Deepika's track of visiting China is trite. Wasn't the twin-sister, an infant, thrown off the Great Wall of China? How did Gordon Liu suddenly decide to bring her up? * Similarly, Deepika's father was also pushed from the Great Wall, but he survives. Akshay too is beaten black and blue and thrown off [coincidentally, from the same place -- Great Wall], but is rescued mid-air by Deepika's father. Miracles never cease to occur, must add.

Post interval, Akshay undergoes a gruelling training session, but not once does the preparation give an impression that Akshay is seething with anger and vengeance. That's because the director has injected humour in these scenes and that takes away the seriousness from the plot. The climax is equally contrived and hence, makes no impact whatsoever.

Although the year 2009 has just begun, this film is sure to be a strong contender in Razzies in two departments mainly -- direction and writing. Nikhil Advani goes horribly wrong this time. As for the writers, well, they ought to take a crash course in film writing pronto. The songs are okay, with the title track and 'Naam Hai Sidhu' being the pick of the lot. The stunts [Dee Dee Ku] are plain mediocre. Even the dated martial arts' movies produced in the East offered better stuff. Himman Dhamija's cinematography lacks the picture perfect look.

Akshay Kumar is the sole saving grace, but the director hasn't tapped his potential to the fullest. Deepika Padukone is passable. Gordon Liu is decent. Ranvir Shorey is functional. Mithun Chakraborty is bland. Roger Yuan, Deepika's father in the film, is fair.

On the whole, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is a brilliant opportunity gone appallingly wrong. The film falls way below expectations and is a major disappointment in all respects. At the box-office, the hype might translate into a bountiful weekend, that's it. Thumbs down!